L 129 
.P65 fi3 
Copy 1 



REPORT 



OP THE 



dtitig ^dl\ool Vi^itof 



ToysTN OF plym:oxjth 



For the Year ending Aug. 31, 1873. 



Published by order of the Town. 



ExPKEss Print, Thomaston, Conn. 
1873. 



REPORT 



dtit^g ^dl\ool Visitor' 



TOWN OK p r, Y m; O U T H , <>« 



For the Year ending Aug. 31, 1873. 



Published by order of the To\vn. 



ExPKESs Pkint, Thomaston, Conn. 
18 7 3. 



ACTINQ SCHOOL VISITOR'S EEPORT. 



During the three years of my superintendence of the schools of this 
town the question has often been asked me, " Do we get the worth 
of the money which we expend for schools'?" When you can give 
me in dollars and cents the value of a well educated, well disciplined 
mind, over one uneducated and undisciplined, the question will be an 
easy one of solution. The only proper question, it seems to me, to be 
asked in this connection is this: "Can we obtain as good and effi- 
cient service in our scliools as we now receive, for a less sum of money 
than we are now paying ?" While it is true that the value of a school 
is not always in proportion to the expense of it, it is equally true that 
what costs nothing is usually worth nothing; and it is also true, that 
some of our most satisfactory schools are those of a modei'ate cost. 
Some of our most expensive teachers have been offered as much or 
more for their services in other situations, and it is unreasonable to 
expect to retain their services for a smaller pecuniary compensation 
than they now receive.. With very few exceptions our teachers re- 
ceive but a moderate compe'^^firB^i'vfor the times, and, I doubt not, 
those few would receive as much or more for the same service in other 
departments of business. Comparing our schools with those I have 
visited in neighboring towns, paying less salaries than we, I think we 
can hardly afford to exchange salaries and teachers with them. Good 
as our schools are, there is manifestly room for great improvement. 
An indispensible necessity for their best welfare is an increased in- 
terest by the public generally, and by the patrons of the school in 
particular. Instances are numerous where teachers have not been 
cheered by the presence of a single parent in the school-room during 
the entire year ; and besides receiving their salaries from the Treas- 
urer, they have no intimation of their, success, save in the conscious- 
ness of duty well performed. Others receive an occasional call for 
the purpose of fault-finding for some fancied wrong or neglect ; but 
even this is preferable to that apathy and perfect indifference which 
characterize the great majority. All have a deep interest in the edr 
cation of the rising generation, and it is their imperative duty to v-'' 
ifest that interest by using their influence to elevate the stand 



4 ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR S REPORT. 

teaching as well as scholarship. Let our teachers feel that they are 
appreciated, and they will be stimulated to attain a higher position in 
their profession ; and let the pupils feel that the watchful eyes of pa- 
rents, friends, and neighbors are upon them, and this alone will be a 
powerful motive to urge them to closer application, and higher attain- 
ments. Our teachers, generally, are competent, faitliful, and laborious ; 
and my opinion, based on a long and close observation, is, that one of 
the principal reasons why our schools have not made greater progress 
is found in the fact that adverse influences are brought to bear upom 
them from outside the school-room. I am well aware that I .am 
touching a delicate subject when I assert that the growing laxity of 
public opinion, in regard to home discipline, is telling sadly upon our 
schools, and casting its evil shadow upon the future of our country. 
Disrespectful treatment of teachers and others in the school-room, and 
even of strangers upon the street, is not an uncommon occurrence ; 
and when parents of children guilty of such conduct are remonstrated 
with in regard to it, they frankly admit the truth as applicable to oth- 
ers, but their children are models of propriety. Mr. Beecher, in a re- 
cent sermon on Civility, says : " I may speak also of a tendency 
which is bred by our in.stitutions — the want of veneration. There 
are various ways in which this want of veneration shows itself We 
often hear that there is not the same respect shown for the aged that 
there used to be. We know that there is very little respect shown 
for magistrates and men in authority. This is partly due, I think, to 
the institutions under which we live. One of the unfortunate eifects- 
derived from the early stages of democratic training, is the sense ot 
personal sovereignty ; the feeling that we stand on as high ground as 
anybody else. The feeling of reverence does not prevail to any great . 
extent among us. I discern a great lack in this respect, (/hildren 
now-a-days aie brought up to be pert, to be saucy, to be almost with- 
out restraint. They are brought up to have very little regard, either 
for their parents or their superiors, and it seems to me there has been 
a decay of that instruction which used to prevail — the tendency of 
which was to make children modest and respectful. We bring up 
our children to be old, and smart, and impertinent." A small amount 
of wisdom and candor in the treatment of this matter by parents, who, 
no doubt, desire the best good of their children, would, I think, set it 
right. Another evil which I have mentioned in former reports is 
great irregularity of attendance. The remedy for this lies almost 
wholly with the parents, assisted by, of course, the teachers. Instances 
are numei-ous where children are guilty of truancy without the knowl- 



ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR S KEPORT. 5 

edge of parents, until informed by the teacher ; but in the great ma- 
jority of cases it results from the indifference or cupidity of those 
having children in charge. Resulting from either cause, its effect is 
disastrous to the welfare of the child, With our splendid free school 
law, by which even the children of the poorest are entitled to all the 
advantages of our best schools, without the expense, personally, of a 
penny, there is no excuse for those who would deprive their children 
of the only patrimony which, once obtained, no adverse circumstances 
can ever take away. The fact that a child can earn a few cents in the 
mill, the workshop, or on the farm, is no valid reason why its mind 
should be dwarfed, or why it should be left to work its way in the 
world with the unequal chance of ignorance against it. Allow me 
to protest kindly, but firmly, against this whole system, against any 
and every system by which any child is deprived of the benefit of that 
education which our legislators have made nearly as free a-^ the air 
we breathe. Now that I am in the way of fault-finding, there is an- 
other evil of which I would speak ; it is an insufiiciency of books for 
those that attend school. I have found a reading class of sixteen with 
but two books, and complaint was made to me by members of the dis- 
trict that the school was not making satisfactory progress, and that 
they had not a first-class teaclier. Now, what foreman can take six- 
teen men to the forost to cut cord- wood with but two axes for the 
gang, and accomplish a satisfactory day's work "? This may seem a 
homely illustration, but it is precisely in point ; for it makes no differ- 
ence whether the work to be performed, without requisite tools, be in 
the forest, on the farm, in the workshop, or in the school-room. An- 
other evil to which I would call your attention is the practice of sus- 
taining private schools. This, to some, may seem a personal matter 
in which the public has no interest, and over which it has, and ought 
to have, no control. 

My opinion, in which I am sustained by many of our best teachers, 
is that it works disastrously in several particulars. First, in its influ- 
ence upon our public schools ; for if those attending private schools 
are better in character and attainments than their fellows, their influ- 
ence and example are needed to elevate the standard of our common 
schools ; and if they are worse, then they would be benefited by the 
associations of the common school-room. Another objection is, its 
tendency to foster a feeling of exclusiveness, which is disastrous to 
the children themselves as well as to the community ai'ound them. 
I am aware that one plea for patronizing private schools is, that the 
children are saved from contamination by the common herd. It is 



ACTING SCHOOL VISITOK S REPORT, 



sufficient to say, in reply to this, that at some time in life they must 
meet these adverse influences, and when can they better withstand 
them than while under the watchful eyes of their parents. One other 
point, and 1 turn to the brighter side of the picture. In any misun- 
derstanding in regard to school affairs, do not take implicitly the 
statement of either teacher or pupils, unsupported by facts, for the 
teacher may be selfish and tie pupils prejudiced. Therefore, make 
full inquiry, and let judgment and reason, instead of passion and will, 
be the guide, and we shall hear less of trouble in the school -room 
than now. 

Of the thirty-two different teachers employed during the year, biit 
one made a perfect failure. Two or three others were not all that 
could be desired, but the great majority were as efficient as could be 
reasonably expected. Manufacturers and others have evinced a dispo- 
sition to assist in carrying out the law in regard to the employment 
of unschooled children. Your Committee has visited each manufac- 
turing establishment once at least during the year, and has reason to 
believe that the law is generally respected. One habitual and defiant 
truant has been arrested and sent to the Reform School, for which 
officers Clemence and others are entitled to credit. More should be 
done in this direction, to free ourselves from the nuisance as well as 
to benefit the boys, whose education on the street is not calculated to 
make them desirable citizens. 



DiSTEICT. 


o >, 


S 
3 




? 9 


to 

CO 

tin a 




6 

o S a 






1-2 




> s 


a ■^ 

O 




5'll 




j3 c-S 


No. 1 


131 


124 


70. 3 


9 


11319.65 


$10.64 


§>18.77 


$1403.65 


" 2 


314 


233 


153.00 


61 


2069.11 
30 -weeks 


8.88 


3.5 


2179.51 


3 


17 


17 


8.65 




224.00 


13.18 


25.89 


224.00 


4 


76 


65 


37. 7 


1 


637.65 


9.65 


16.91 


637.65 


5 


38 


29 


14.44 


5 


357.45 


12.32 


24.70 


357.45 


6 


36 


32 


13.11 


1 


334.89 
30 weeks 


10.46 


25.54 


413.89 


7 


17 


23 


11. 4 


1 


274.39 
25 weeks 


11.93 


25.07 


274.39 


8 


13 


17 


5.05 




230 . 55 


13.56 


41.99 


262.55 


9 


45 


37 


19.65 


8 


342.55 


9.25 


17.86 


342.55 


10 


216 


230 


129.00 




2360.32 


10.26 


18.29 


2763.86 


11 


44 


39 


18.00 


5 


326.79 


8.38 


18.15 


326.79 


" 12-13 


48 


46 


22. 5 


4 


319.15 


6.94 


14.18 


319.15 


14 


69 


63 


33. 9 


2 


419.45 


6.66 


12.34 


419.45 


MOEEIS. 










80.00 








Haewinton. 










26.95 









Total. 


1064 


955 


^37.15 


97 


19293.50 




$9925.89 



ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR S REPORT. 7 

By these figures it will be seen that of the 1,064 children enumer- 
ated in January last, 955 have been registered during the year, and 
the average attendance has been 537|- Cost per scholar for average 
attendance^ $17.51. By reference to the report ot the Secretary of 
the State Board, it will be seen that among the towns of the State we 
stand as No. 86 in the percentage of attendance ; that is, 85 towns 
had a larger percentage of their children in the Public Schools dming 
some portion of the year than we. The same report tells us that in 
the average atten 'lance, compared with the number registered, we 
stand as No. 85, having 71.5 per cent. In the average attendance, 
compared with the enumeration, we stand No. 72, the percentage being 
but 56.1. This year it falls to about 50 per cent. 

In the amount of taxable property to each child between the ages 
of 4 and 16, we stand the 104th, having $t8?§t: In the percentage of / ^^ 
taxable property aj^propriated for schools during the year, we stand 
No. 55, the amount being $3.60 on each $1,000. In the amount 
raised for schools from all sources for each child enumerated, we are 
No. 58, the amount being $8.96. The largest sum paid per scholar 
was 114.63 in the town of Bethel, and the smallest was $3.58, in 
Sprague. The average wages of male teachers in the State, including 
city principals, is $67.01 — of female teachers, $34.09. The average 
wages of male teachers in this town last year was $70.20, and of fe- 
males, $35.71 (male teachers this year $88.33). So that in this respect 
we are above the average, cities included. From the imperfect returns 
made to me it appears that of the scholars attending our schools, 955 
were in Reading, 931 in Spelling, 674 in Arithmetic, 542 in Geogra- 
phy, 535 in writing, 89 in Grammar, 39 in History, 30 in Algebra, 
14 in Familiar Science, 12 in Latin, 7 in Philosophy, 6 in Book-keep- 
ing, and 5 in Rhetoric. 

Drawing, which the law impliedly requires, has not been attended 
to, except as a pastime by the younger pupils. 

Singing has not been attemj)ted in more than 8 departments, but 
I trust the time is not far distant when it will be one of the daily re- 
quirements of the school-]'oom. 

Reluctantly, and against my former prejudices, I have come to the 
conclusion that the union district system is the best remedy for many 
of the evils under which we now labor. I throw out the suggestions 
for reflection, in the hope that they may pave the way for future action 
on the part of the town. 

During last winter a series of teachers' meetings were held, which 
appeared to be interesting and productive of good. We have com- 



8 ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR'S REPORT. 

menced similar meetings recently, and intend to continue them through 
the Autumn and Winter terms. 

From the large number attending the Institute recently held in 
Thomaston. I hope for increased interest in the cause of education, 
which will be felt throughout the community. 

District No. 4 has not sufficient accommodations for the number 
attending the school. The room is overcrowded, and no teacher can 
do them justice as at present situated. 

The recent developments in Wall Street, where fortunes, counted 
by millions, have been swept away as it were in a moment, call upon 
us for a " new departure," and to decide whether we will continue to 
invest for our children the almighty but ever-fleeting dollar, or, be- 
queath to them the better patrimony of knowledge, of which no mis- 
fortune can deprive them. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, 

L. D. BALDWIN, A. V. 
Accepted by the Board. L. D. Baldwin, Sec. 



The following was the action of the town at the recent annual 
meeting ; 

Moved and Voted, That the Acting School Visitor be instructed to 
take efficient measures to secure a more general attendance of children 
in the schools, and to bring in those children absent therefrom. 



ACTING SCHOOL VISITOr's HEPORT. 



BY-LAW 

Relating to Vagrant and Truant Children, passed at the Annual Town 
Meeting in Plymouth, October 5th, 1868. 

3E0TION 1. Be it enacted, That any child between the ages of seven and six- 
teen years residing in this town, who shall be guilty of habitual truancy, or who 
shall be found wandering about the streets and public places of this town, hav-- 
ing no lawful occupation or business, nor attending school, and growing up in 
ignorance, shall be punished by a tine not exceeding twenty dollars, upon con- 
viction thereof before any Justice of the Peace in said town ; said fine to be im- 
posed by said Justice. 

Seo. 2. The persons who are annually elected Grand Jurors of this town 
are hereby authorized and instructed to make due presentment and prosecute 
all violations of the preceding section according to law. 



AN ACT CONOEENING EDUCATION. 

Be it enacted ly the Senate and House of Representatives in General 
Assembly convened : 

Section 1. All parents and those who have the care of children, shall bring 
them up in some honest and lawful calling or employment ; and shall instruct 
them or cause them to be instructed in reading, writing, English grammar, geog- 
raphy, and arithmetic. And every parent, guardian, or other person having con- 
trol and charge of any child between the ages of eight and fourteen years, shall 
cause such child to attend some public or private day school at least three months 
in each year, six weeks at least of which attendance shall be consecutive ; or 
to be instructed at home at least three months in each year in the branches of 
education required to be taught in the public schools, unless the physical or men- 
tal condition of the child is such as to render such attendance inexpedient or im- 
practicable. 

Seo. 2. No child under the age of fourteen years shall be employed by any 
person to labor in any business whatever, unless such child shall have attended 
some public or private day school, where instruction was given by a teacher 
qualified to instruct in orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geogra- 
plij^, and arithmetic, at least three months of the twelve next preceding any and 
every year in which such child shall be so employed ; and any person who shall 
employ any child contrary to the provisions of this section shall forfeit, for each 
offense, a penally of one hundred dollars to the treasurer of the state. 

Seo. 3. Every parent, guardian or other person having control and charge of 
any child, between the ages of eight and fourteen years, who has been tempora- 
rily discharged from employra^'Ut in any business, in order to be afforded an op- 
portunity to receive instruction or schooling, shall send such child to some pub- 
lic or private day school for the period for which such child may have been so 
discharged, unless the physical or mental condition of the child is such as to 
render such attendance inexpedient or impracticable. 



10 ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR'S KEPORT. 

Seo. 4. It shall be the duty of the State's Attorneys in then* respective towns, 
to inquire after and make presentment of all the offenses against the provisions 
if the preceding sections ; and any person who shall violate any of said provis- 
ions, except those of section second, shall be punished by a fine of five dollars^ 
payable to the treasury of the town in which he resides, for every week, (not 
exceeding thirteen weeks in an}'- one year), during which he shall have failed to 
comply with any of said provisions. 

Sec. 7. The Selectmen, in tneir respective towns, shall inspect the conduct of 
the heads of families, and if they find any who neglect the education of the 
children under their care, they may admonish them to attend to their duty ; and 
if they continue to be negligent, whereby the children grow rude, stubborn, 
and unruly, they shall, with the advice of a justice of the peace, take such chil- 
dren from their parents, or those who have the charge of them and bind them 
out to some proper master, or to any suitable charitable institution or society in- 
corporated and existing in this State for the care and instruction of such chil- 
dren, males till twenty-one and females till eighteen years of age, that they may 
be properly educated, and brought up in some lawful calling and employment. 

Seo. 8. Each city and town shall make all needful provisions and regulations, 
concerning habitual truants from school, and any children wandering about the 
streets or public places, having no lawful occupation or business, nor attending 
school, and growing up in ignorance, between the ages of seven and sixteen 
years ; and shall also make such by-laws respecting such children as shall be 
most conducive to their welfare, and the good order of such city or town ; and 
suitable penalties shall be annexed to such by-laws, not exceeding twenty dollars, 
for any one breach ; but said by-laws shall, in the case of towns, be approved by 
the Superior Court sitting in any county in this State. 

Seo. 11. The police in any city, and the bailiffs or constables in any bor- 
ough or town, and the sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in their respective 
localities, are empowered and required to arrest any and all boys that are 
supposed to be truants from school, between the ages of eight and sixteen years, 
habitually wandering or loitering about the streets or public places of the same> 
or anywhere beyond the proper control of parents or guardiaus, during the 
school term, and during the hours when school is in session ; and to stop at any 
place within the limits of said city, borough, or town, any boy under the age of 
sixteen years, during the usual public school hours as aforesaid, and ascertain 
whether he is a truant from school, or is engaged in any proper business ; and 
in case he is a truant, such truant shall be sent to the school of which he is a 
member at the time of said arrest. 

Sec. 12. In case any truant boy shall be arrested a third time under the provis- 
ions of the preceding section, such boy if not immediately returned to school, 
shall be taken before the judge of the criminal or police court sitting in cham- 
bers, or before any justice of the peace in any borough or town where such ar- 
rest is made ; and if it shall appear that such boy has no lawful occupation or 
business, or is not attending school, or is growing up in habits of idleness and 
immorality, or is an habitual truant, he may be committed to any institution of 
instruction or correction, or house of reformation in said city, borough, or town, 
or, with the approval of the selectmen, to the State Reform School, for a term 
of not more than three years. 



ACTING SCHOOL VISITOR S EEPOET. 



11 



SOHOOL OrnOEES AUD TEAOHEES. 



BOARD OF VISIT0E3. 



Rev. J. W. BA0KU9, Chairman. 

" E. Gaffnet, 
Mr. T. J. Bbadsteeet, 

" E. P. Faekeb, 

" A. F. Fenn. 



Mr. Geo. Langdon, 
" N. T. Baldwin, 
" R. D. H. Allen, 
" L. D. Baldwin, Sec. and Act. Visitor 



DIST. COMMITTEE. 
No. 1, S. S. Lamb. 

" 2, E. B. Sanfoed. 

" 3, Daviu Tuenek. 

" 4, Wm. D. Weight. 

" 5, L. D. Baldwin. 

" 6, Geo. Waters. 

" 7, L. H, Dunbar. 

" 8, Z. B. Bassbtt. 

" 9, FeBBAND DtTNBAB. 

" 10, O. D. Hunter. 



" 11, J. Benjamin. 

" 12, Geo. F. Blakeslke. 

" 14 J. R. Hoyt. 



Autumn term. 
Mr. Geo. L. Miner, 
Miss Mary J. Potter, 
Mr. D. W. Rossiter, 
Miss Abbie Potter, 

" Carrie Woodward, 

" Lillie Miner. 

Mr. C. W. Eidwell. 

Miss Lottie L. Lang. 
" M. A. Ingersoll, 
" M.A.Ryan. 



" Katie Ryan. 

Mr. L. C. Lord, 

Miss S. A. Piatt. 

" M. E. Cook, 

" A. E. Giddings, 

, " L. A. Lord. 

" M. C. Todd. 



Winter term. 



Summer term. 



Mr. G. W. Cole, 



H. C. Pratt. 



Miss Lillie Miner. 

" M. E. Potter. 
Miss M. Smith. 

" J. Kelsey. 

" A. Brooks. 



Mrs. L. H. Dunbar. 
Miss C. A. Downs. 



F. Shepard. 



Mr. A. Basil, 



Miss J. Haines. 



Miss L. M. Bnshnel. 
" L.M.Howe. 



111 IJllll 

Larg:est Stock in the Sta" 



We now have on hand about Ten Thousand Dollars worth of Mu 
eical Instruments, which we are bound to sell, panic or no panic. 
Pianos, Organs, and Melodeons, all kinds, styles, and prices from $25 
to $1,000. 

Every Instrument to be sold at a Bargain 1 

Greatest inducements ever offered to cash purchasers. Now is the 
time to buy. Strike while the iron is hot. 

a-I^IE TJS A. C-^LXj! 

And we will prove to you that the cheapest place to buy a Musical 
Instrument is at the spacious warerooms of 

BENJAMIN & FEAI 



We have also a large and elegant stock of Gold and Silver Watclies, 
Jewelry, Silver and Plated Ware, all of which we are selling 

OHHli^r*! OHIil^I*! CHEAJPI 

Prices to suit the times. Call and see for yourselves that what we 
say is true. No trouble to show goods. Spectacles of every des- 
cription. The Wonderful Perfected Diamond Spectacles only $1.00 
per pair. Regular price $3.50. Particular attention paid to fitting 
difficult eyes. 

Music Hall Block, 

WINSTED, CONN. 



W^AWW&W(^ 




ESTABLISHED IN 1848. 

The Latest books in every branch, of Education, re- 
ceived as published, or to special order. 




Of every description at the cheapest rates. 

"VT" JS/L. IF j^ T T O ISr , 

3yi:xjsiG-A.L a-ooiDS, 

Of every descriptiou furnished at short notice aud at the 

:aliaii Tlflli Strims 

A SPECIALTY. 

'\rxOX^Xl<T TiFlIA^ls/ITIlSra-S, 

Of all Muds, constantly ou hand. 

GEO. M. GRILTjEY, Thomaston, Conn, 

Tmm Hmif ©Mue S^E^dUM* 

Ko. 2, PARK STREET, 

Is the place to buy your Drugs and Meaiciues. Physicians presciptions compounded at all hours 
Night and Day. Also, Headquarters for all kinds of 

FimB, LIFE, wA.3SriD -ACOHDErJO? I3SrSXTHj&.3SrOB. 

Coinpanys Represeuted. 

Hartfokd, Hartford Conn.^ 

Instikance Co. OF NoBTH Ameeioa, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Hanovke, New York. I -p. „ 

Agriodxtubal, Watertown, N. Y. | ' 

Continental, New York. 

NaUgatuok Valley Mtttual, , Ansonia, Conn. J 

CONNEOTiouT Mutual, Hartford, Coun.'^ 

Commonwealth, New York. )■ Life. 

Teaveleeb Life & Aooident, Hartford, Conn, J 

JBLOaXON rXlASJE. 



PANIC 



UGHTER. 



PmmmM / 



1 BBLIT IMl II PIKIS II Mi TSIIII! fif M 



A perfect tornado o! Destruction to High Prices. 



Well, we were ready for it, we had but few goods on hand and 
were ready with the Cash to stock up from those who were forced 
to have the money. The liberal patronage bestowed on us for the 
last ten years has placed us in this position. Now we are ready to 



ilT. 



We will retail goods at the lowest wholesale prices during the 

coming season. 

Flannels and Blankets, 

CLOTHS ^ CASSIMERES, 

Beavers, «&c- 



f} 



Of every style and quality. 

Come and see us and get the prices, or send by mail for samples. 

We quote no prices as we mark down to meet 

the market with every change. 

Remember the place, 

E. T. TURNER, 



Bank Street, 



WATERBURY, CONN. 



J. ESTEY & CO/S 



These Instrumeiits lead tli3 world. 

Don't buy until you have seen and heard the Estey Organs. They are the 
best and cheapest first-class Organ made. 



w mmMmwiwmij 



SWEETEST TONED. 



e^e* 



Sold low for Cash or on Installments. 

All are invited to call and examine them whether they wish to purchase 
or not. A fine assortment on hand of the latest patterns. Also, Instru- 
ments to let. 

FE,WM9UT'M„ GQNjNj, 



HORACE FENN, 



DEALEE IN 



TOY BOOZS, AND SOHOOL QOOSS OF ALL SOETS, 

And Sundries. 

Also, all kinds of Watches, Clocks, Jeiuelry Spectacles, and Fine Ar- 
ticles, cleaned and repaired. 

At the Post Office Building, 



PLYMOUTH, CONN. 



THDMASTDH ACADEMY 

JOSEPH R. FRENCH, A. M., Principal. 



This Institution offers to the citizens of Plymouth and vicinity eve- 
ry facility for the thorough instruction of their children in all the 
higher English branches of study, and in the ancient and modern 
languages. Students can here be fitted for College at a much less ex- 
pense than away from home. The practical acquaintance of the 
Principal with the laws and usages of business enables him to render 
special aid to such pupils as are looking forward to a mercantile life. 

The regular sessions commence on the first Monday of December, 
the third Wednesday of April, and fourth Wednesday of August. 
Pupils are received at any time, if qualified to enter existing classes, 

Tuition $1.25 per week, payable at the middle ot each session. 

THE SMITH AMERICAN ORGAN! 

56,000 JSrO^^^ llSi USE. 



Notwithstanding the prospective probability of war with Spain, 
the failure of the balloon business, the roaring of the Bulls, growling 
of the Bears and Hard Times generally the 

SMITH AJ^IERIC^N ORO^INS! 

do sell on account of their clear, clean, rich tones, full round manual 
bass, and especially the deep, smooth, pipe-like quality of the sub-bass 
notes. The rapidity of action is unsurpassed. The bellows is so 
constructed that the Organist can produce finer Organ effects with- 
out rearranging the stops than is possible with any other organ. I 
would particularly call attention to that splendid rich, solo-stop the 
" Kalophony 

I have sold nearly .$2,000 worth of these organs in this Town the 
past few months and pro]»ose to sell a few more. Style No. 30, hav- 
ing high case in imitation of Pipe Organ was put in competition with 
five other organs at Masonic Hall and received the j^refeiance. I am 
prepared to sell on terms to suit the times, will exchange for other in- 
struments and could be induced to take cash. I have on hand a good 
six octave Melodeon which I will sell for cash very cheap. Mrs. 
Jones will take a few more music scholars if application be made soon. 

M. C. JONES, 
No. 1, East Main Street. Thomaston, Conn. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

llllillll • 



021 527 030 



A STRICTLY CASH BDSiESS. 



Since I have been in Thomaston it has 
been my constant desire to seil goods cheap 
or at low and popular prices. Experience 
has convinced me that I cannot do this and 
do a credit business. Over Ten Thousand 
Dollars have been lost in this town by busi- 
ness men, from poor debts, within the last 
four years, and notwithstanding these heavy 
losses the Credit Merchants are satisfied 
with the balance of the Profits, over and 
above these losses. Good Customers have 
these old debts to pay. 

I sell for Cash, I run no risks, and charge 
only one-half the profit that would warrant 
selling goods on "Tick." 

I am selling more than twice the amount 
of goods for Cash this year than last, when 
I gave credit. Panic Prices are to be found 
at the Brick Store just now. 

Respectfully, 

J. B. HOPKINS. 



